- Name
- Darrell Lorance
- Position
- Forward
- Class
- Freshman
- Hometown (Last School)
- Conway, MO (High)
- Ht
- 6'1"
- Wt
- 184
- Seasons
- 1945-46
- Birthday
- February 28, 1928
Darrell Lorance was born Darrell Morris Lorance on February 28, 1928, in Phillipsburg, Missouri to Jesse and Maggie (Truelove) Lorance. He played as a forward for the University of Kentucky Wildcats during the 1945-46 basketball season under the legendary coach Adolph Rupp.
Before joining the Wildcats, Darrell led Conway High School to the Missouri State High School Basketball Championship in 1945. He registered 250 points in his senior year at Conway and was captain of the Conway team. Lorance was an All-Missouri forward in 1943, as a sophomore, and in 1945, as a senior.
His impressive performance caught the attention of Coach Rupp, who recruited him to play at Kentucky. He also played baseball at Kentucky. After just one season with the Wildcats, Darrell transferred to the University of Missouri.
Following his college career, Darrell turned professional and played for the Springfield team in the short-lived Professional Basketball League of America (PBLA) during the 1947-48 season. He later joined the Birmingham team in the Southern Professional Basketball League (SPBL), where he was the fifth leading scorer during the 1948-49 season.
Off the court, Darrell was a dedicated family man and community member. He served as a fireman for the city of Moline, Illinois, and retired after 20 years of service. Darrell was also an avid golfer and a passionate St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Darrell Lorance passed away on October 20, 2013, at the age of 85. He is remembered for his contributions to basketball and his commitment to his community.
